Catalogue  "B" 


...  metallic  Book  Shelving ... 


...Tor  Libraries ; . . 


Designed  and  Patented  by  George  Stikeman 


g  Sole  manufacturers 

•2..  <  <y~-ry<:  Jt^g^J^xZ^ 


. . .  ♦  K  D.  it  g). 1  wmmin  * . . 

Ornamental  Trow  Workers 

.  Hew  VorR  


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


Adjustable  *  Book  *  Skiving « 

~?or*  Libraries 


Designed  and  Patented  by  George  Stikeman 


Stratford  Library,  Stratford,  Conn. 
U)m.  R.  IHillcr,  Architect,  Ttnaca,  n.  V. 


$ole«  manufacturers 


OrnamentaHron^Klorkers  no.«io2«cbambers«$treet,«neu>.york 


Copyright,  i8«7,  by  fl.  B.  *  m.  C.  Ulesurvcit 


Wntrodiiction** 


have  made  the  Library  most  beneficial  to  the  general  public  as  well  as  to  the  special  classes. 

Every  one  interested  in  the  subject  of  education  will  note  with  satisfaction  the  progress  in  this  direction.  The 
Library  is  the  most  important  link  in  that  great  movement  that  has  spread  hither  from  England.  We  refer  to  the 
University  and  School  extension,  which  has  for  one  of  its  best  results  the  ability  to  draw  readers  to  the  use  of  the 
modern  Library,  that  store-house  of  all  human  learning. 

From  the  latest  reports  obtainable  of  Libraries  containing  1,000  volumes  and  over,  in  this  country,  there  arc  no 
less  than  31, 171,354  volumes  possessed  by  3,804  different  Libraries,  or  an  increase  of  66.3  per  cent  in  six  years.  Nor 
has  this  development  reached  its  maximum,  for  Libraries  still  continue  to  make  further  advances  both  in  method  and 
numbers.  With  all  this  enormous  collection  of  knowledge  in  books  and  taking  into  account  their  monetary  value,  the 
time  seems  opportune  that  due  consideration  should  be  shown  for  their  proper  care  and  preservation.  With  this 
object  in  view,  the  question  of  Fire-Proof  shelving,  now  so  universally  used  in  modern  Library  buildings  or  where 
older  structures  are  being  remodeled  and  improved,  suggests  itself.  This  subject  has  been  thoroughly  considered  b\ 
Mr.  George  Stikeman,  the  designer  and  patentee,  who  has  long  been  connected  with  our  firm,  and  his  Systems  we 
now  present  to  Librarians,  Architects  and  all  others  interested  in  Library  work. 

The  undersigned,  after  many  3'ears'  experience  in  the  construction  of  iron  work,  have  full  facilities  to 
manufacture  and  erect  these  Systems,  under  Mr.  Stikeman's  personal  supervision,  and  will  gladly  submit  plans 
with  suggestions,  also  estimates  of  cost,  for  the  proper  arrangement  of  shelving  where  fire-proof,  or  partially 
fire-proof  construction  may  be  desired.  Correspondence  from  Architects,  Trustees,  Committees  or  Librarians, 
having  the  erection  or  remodeling  and  enlargement  of  Libraries  in  contemplation,  is  respectfully  requested. 
We  append  a  number  of  photo-prints  taken  direct  from  stack  work  erected  by  us,  in  various  parts  of  the  country. 


General  Considerations  of  Stack  Building 


HE  most  economical  method  of  shelving  books,  is  in  the  form  of  a  double  stack,  and  lighted  by  a  window 
sSy^    at  ends  of  each  separating  passage  or  a  skylight  above. 

The  use  of  roughened  plate  glass  through  passages  for  conveying  light,  can  be  employed  to  advantage 
in  stacks  two  or  even  three  tiers  in  height  ;  when  stacks  are  more,  each  tier  should  be  furnished  with  side  light. 

Either  slabs  of  slate  or  white  marble,  rubbed  on  upper  side  and  polished  beneath,  to  facilitate  the  reflec- 
tion oi  light,  are  sometimes  preferred  to  glass.    Cast  iron  perforated  flooring  is  also  frequently  used. 

For  illumination  at  night  or  when  natural  light  is  not  obtainable,  the  incandescent  electric  light  is  to  be 
preferred  in  every  respect,  and  may  be  so  arranged  to  illuminate  the  whole  or  any  portion  of  the  stacks. 
Arrangement  should  be  made  for  carrying  the  necessary  electric  conduits. 

Stacks  should  he  arranged  in  double  faced  form,  parallel  to  each  other  and  at  right  angles  to  the  walls 
admitting  light  to  building. 

The  shelves  of  our  various  systems  are  of  uniform  size  throughout  and  adjustable  to  any  height  desired, 
these  may  be  varied  in  length  and  width  to  meet  all  requirements,  the  average  length  being  3  feet  and  from 
S  to  12  inches  in  width.  The  width  of  passages  between  stacks  may  vary  from  2  feet  6  inches  to  3  feet, 
although  wider  spacing  is  found  preferable  at  times.    Wall  stacks  can  be  used  when  desired. 

As  to  the  distance  from  tier  to  tier,  that  may  rangi  from  7  feet  to  7  feet  6  inches,  the  former  height, 
however,  being  the  most  convenient.  When  shelving  is  required  at  an  extreme  height,  a  noiseless  folding 
trolley  ladder  may  be  employed. 

It  is  well  to  have  an  opening  of  two  or  three  inches  in  width,  on  either  side  of  flooring  parallel  to  stacks  (as 
shown  by  figure  Nos.  3  and  4,  page  10)  for  light  and  ventilation,  as  well  as  a  means  of  communication  between  tiers. 
If  necessary,  these  side  openings  can  be  covered  with  wire  netting  or  gauze,  having  hand  spaces  at  either  end.  Fire 
oipes  may  also  be  carried  through  these  side  openings,  with  nozzle  and  plug  at  intervening  tiers,  if  considered 
'-"isable. 

4 


Raised  flanges  along  edges  of  flooring,  will  serve  as  a  guard  when  cleaning  is  necessary. 
A  metal  covering  over  stacks  at  each  tier  level,  will  protect  the  books  beneath  from  dust. 
W  indows  in  stack  room  should  be  of  one  pane,  thus  securing  all  the  light  obtainable. 

In  large  stack  rooms  an  elevator,  having  a  capacity  sufficient  to  carry  one  or  more  persons,  with  a  load  of 
books  and  operated  by  the  passenger,  is  desirable. 

Book  lifts  or  carriers,  conveniently  located,  running  from  tier  to  tier,  will  serve  as  a  labor  saving  apparatus. 

One  or  more  stairways  to  each  stack,  constructed  of  iron  and  in  close  proximity  to  the  delivery  desk,  serve  as 
a  tneans  of  communication  between  tiers.    Rubber  treads  are  an  improvement  on  iron  or  wood. 

The  matter  of  heating  (hot  water  is  preferred)  is  best  effected  by  means  of  radiators,  placed  directly  beneath 
the  stack  room,  the  heat  being  passed  into  the  stack  room  by  the  use  of  registers,  which  circulates  freely  through 
the  side  openings  of  flooring,  thus  producing  an  even  temperature  throughout. 

For  prompt  communication  from  Librarian  or  delivery  desk,  to  assistants  in  various  parts  of  the  stack  room,  a 
system  of  electric  bells  or  speaking  tubes  will  be  of  service.  These  can  easily  be  attached  to  any  of  our  various 
forms  of  stacks. 


medal  Award  for  the  Stikeman  Book  Stacks,  world's  Columbian  exposition,  \m 


 StiHematt  Adjustable  Book  Shelving... 

complete  construction  of  the  Stikeman  "Adjustable"  Book  Shelving  in  detail  is  described  by  Figure 
Nos.  8  and  9  on  page  13.    The  system  consists  of  a  series  of  supporting  standards  for  mezzanine  flooring, 
spaced  the  length  of  a  shelf  between  centers,  together  with  the  necessary  adjustable  shelving  in  combination. 

The  standards  are  composed  of  two  patented  steel  T  bars — E  E — having  elongated  tables,  between  whicb 
is  placed  a  steel  separator — F — all  Hush  riveted.  On  outer  edges  of  the  steel  T's  are  a  series  of  pierced  notches, 
accurately  spaced  and  of  equal  dimensions.  The  footings — G — at  main  and  mezzanine  floor  lines,  consisting  of 
steel  bases,  are  secured  to  standards  by  riveting. 

By  means  of  the  lateral  cross  stay — H — extending  from  standard  to  standard  and  being  at  right  angles  to 
mezzanine  steel  T  beams,  a  perfectly  locked  construction  is  obtained  at  lioor  levels.  With  this  method  of 
construction,  the  stacks  and  necessary  floorings  may  be  extended  to  any  height  desired. 

On  shelf  bracket — J — having  rear  brace  and  right  angled  flanges  by  which  the  shelving  proper  is  sustained,  are 
two  steel  projections  extending  from  their  outer  sides,  so  spaced  as  to  fit  the  pierced  notches  of  standards.  These 


projections  being  in  direct  line,  firmly  secure  the  shelving  in  position  without  the  aid  of  any  loose  or  movable  pins, 
wedges,  or  parts  whatever,  as  the  standard  and  portable  shelf  form  the  entire  combination.  By  this  adjustment  the 
shelving  can  only  be  removed  from  the  notches  by  an  upward  and  outward  movement.  It  will  be  seen  that  all 
shelving  with  end  brackets  form  an  adjustable  compartment  which  may  be  changed  without  disturbing  or  removing 
the  books  arranged  Upon  it.     In  case  of  fire  this  advantage  is  obvious. 

As  the  shelves  in  each  compartment  of  a  double  stack  are  uniform  in  size,  by  arranging  them  in  alignment  a 
double  width  shelf  is  obtained,  and  their  close  adjustment  to  any  desired  height  admits  the  shelving  of  hooks 
varying  in  size.  Either  one  or  more  shelves  may  be  removed,  interchanged  or  re-adjusted  without  disturbing  the 
other  shelves  or  their  contents.  The  spacing  between  shelves  being  brought  to  a  minimum,  it  may  be  said  that  the 
shelving  is  continuous  throughout. 

Should  space  be  required  for  a  table,  closet,  set  of  drawers,  etc.,  by  the  removal  of  shelving  from  any  section, 
such  necessary  space  is  obtained. 

When  thoroughly  fire-proof  construction  is  required,  metal  shelving  is  necessary.  These  can  be  furnished  in 
steel  having  a  plain  surface,  parallel  steel  bars  forming  an  open  grating,  or  a  series  of  parallel,  convex  and  concave 
steel  channels.    Slate,  marble  or  glass  shelving  may  also  be  used  for  the  purpose. 

For  semi-fire-proof  construction,  shelving  or  polished  wood  is  most  satisfactory  for  general  use.  End  brackets 
may  be  ornamental  or  plain  in  design  and  made  in  castings  or  planished  steel.  The  method  of  combining  bracket 
and  shelving  is  shown  by  Figure  No.  8,  page  13,  the  shelf  being  set  at  bottom  of  bracket.  A  series  of  wide  shelving 
in  the  lower  portion  of  any  tier  are  often  found  to  be  convenient.  The  top  shelf  will  serve  as  a  ledge  where  hooks 
may  he  allowed  to  rest. 

In  smaller  libraries,  where  stacks  are  not  required  more  than  one  tier  in  height,  the  "Stiketnan"  systems 
admit  of  a  stack  being  constructed  independently.  Ornamentation  can  be  used  to  any  degree,  and  end  facias, 
bases,  top  cornices  and  covers  ma)7  be  added  for  special  or  prominent  positions. 

A  variety  of  methods  present  themselves  as  suitable  finishes  for  stack  work,  as  painting,  bronzing,  enameling 
or  electro-bronzing.  The  treatment  by  means  of  a  composition  known  as  "dull  finish"  is  very  satisfactory,  as  a 
perfect  smoothness  is  obtained  on  all  parts  of  stack  coming  in  contact  with  books.  The  structural  parts  of  t  he 
system  being  composed  entirely  of  small  sections  can  easilv  be  disconnected  for  removal. 


Plan  of  floor  Training  Combined  with  Standards 


Plan  of  passage  between  shelving  on  mezzanine  flooring,  illustrating  four  different  methods  of  floor  finish. 
With  partially  lire-proof  or  slow-burning  construction,  a  wooden  flooring,  covered  on  under  side  with  a  coating  of 
asbestos  composition,  is  recommended  (see  A).  When  stack  work  is  entirely  fire-proof,  perforated  cast-iron  flooring 
(see  C)  may  be  used.  Roughened  plate  glass,  marble  or  slate  slabs  (see  B)  set  in  angle  iron  frame  work,  cast-iron 
flooring  with  open  tracery  on  sides  (see  D),  having  roughened  plate  glass  through  centre,  or  roughened  plate  ^lass 
set  in  cast-iron  frames,  are  desirable.  Any  of  these  floorings  may  be  constructed  with  a  projecting  edge,  parallel 
with  stacks. 


13 


Stikeman  $  Improved  Portable  Book  Shelf 

(  ^  HIS  improved  Shelf  forms  a  complete  book  support  or  rack,  which  may  be  placed  with  its  load  of 
V  H    books  between  standards,    carried  about  or  allowed  to  rest   upon  a  table,   thus   forming   a  most 
convenient  adjunct  to  a  library,  by  facilitating  the  handling  of  a  number  of  books  at  a  time. 
In   case  of  fire,  books  can  be  quickly  removed  from  danger,  by  carrying  out  the  entire  shelf,  this  is 
possible  with  any  other  form  of  shelving  now  in  use.    It  is  highly  recommended  by  Architects  and  Librarians. 


1 


14 


Stikeman  Patent  Adjustable  and  Absolutely  Adjustable  Book  Stacks 
as  Constructed  witb  mezzanine  flooring 


Stikeman  Absolutely  Adjustable  Book  Shelving 

x  — ' 

df  (-  ^  HE  "Absolutely  Adjustable"  system,  as  illustrated  on  opposite  page,  is  based  on  principles  somewhat 
J  )  \s'>  different  from  our  "Adjustable"  Book  Shelving,  the  prominent  features  being,  that  each  shelf  is 
absolutely  adjustable  and  the  space  occupied  between  divisions  is  brought  to  a  minimum,  so  thai  the 
shelving  may  be  said  to  be  continuous  from  one  end  of  stack  to  the  other. 

The  standards  are  composed  of  steel  channels,  secured  to  a  suitable  base  and  set  sufficiently  apart  to  permit 
the  insertion  of  a  properly  formed  Shelf  Bracket,  provided  with  means  of  embracing  the  standard,  so  as  to  become 
adjustablv  secured  thereto.  The  bracket  consists  of  a  perforated  plate,  having  a  flange  on  its  inner  edge,  thai 
engages  the  channel  standard  by  means  of  a  graduated  threaded  bar,  bearing  against  the  outer  edge  or  side  ot 
standard,  thus  securing  the  bracket  in  position,  and  to  which  it  maybe  adjusted.  The  threaded  bar  is  operated 
entirely  from  the  front  Of  tbC  Sbelf,  and  so  avoids  the  displacement  of  any  of  the  books. 

The  shelf  proper  is  portable,  resting  upon  projecting  flanges  set  at  right  angles  to  the  inner  side  ot  bracket, 
and  is  held  in  position  so  that  it  becomes  impossible  for  the  shelf  to  tip  downwards. 

To  adjust  shelving,  it  is  unnecessary  to  remove  the  brackets  from  the  standards,  but  by  releasing  the  threaded 
bar,  the  shelving  may  be  moved  upwards  or  downwards  to  the  position  desired,  and  again  engaging  the  bar  to 
standard.    By  this  method,  any  adjustment,  however  slight,  may  be  obtained. 

Further  shelving  may  be  added,  if  required,  to  a  stack  at  any  point  Of  the  Standard,  without  the  removal  or 
disturbing  of  shelves  already  in  position,  thereby  increasing  the  shelving  capacity  of  the  stack.  This  saving  ol  cost 
in  a  stack  should  be  well  considered.  The  methods  of  constructing  mezzanine  floorings,  facilities  for  lighting, 
means  of  heating  and  ventilation,  stairways,  elevators,  lifts,  etc.,  are  the  same  with  this  system  as  already  given 
in  the  description  on  "General  Considerations  of  Stack  Building." 

Although  the  stack  throughout  is  constructed  of  iron  and  steel,  the  use  of  wood  shelves  is  frequently 
preferred;  they  occupy  no  more  space,  and  are  more  ornamental  when  made  to  harmonize  with  finish  ol  room.  Our 
systems,  however,  admit  the  use  of  either  wood  or  steel  shelves,  as  may  be  desired. 

In  comparing  the  cost  of  our  Book  Shelving  with  wooden  cases,  it  will  be  found  favorable  when  durability, 
light  and  space,  and  increase  of  shelving  capacity  is  considered. 

Special  designs,  with  estimates,  involving  the  use  of  our  "Stikeman"  patents,  will  be  furnished  on  application. 

10 


Construction  of  the  " Absolutely  Adjustable"  System.  (Page  i6.) 


Stikeman  Composite  Book  Shelving 

E  "Composite"  system  (as  illustrated  on  opposite  page)  varies  somewhat  in  form  from  either  the 
"Adjustable"  or  "Absolutely  Adjustable"  Book  Shelving.  The  minor  parts  of  our  other  systems  are 
omitted,  yet  at  the  same  time,  is  of  so  simple,  easy  and  elose  adjustment  that  it  may  be  considered 
absolute. 

The  standards  are  formed  of  patented  double  steel  flanged  bars  of  a  novel  shape,  having  rounded  corners, 
with  internal  edges  finely  serrated,  between  which  is  placed  a  Hat  steel  separator;  this  combination  forming 
a  vertical  groove,  to  which  the  shelf  supporting  brackets  are  adjusted. 

The  brackets  are  composed  of  a  vertical  plate,  either  of  a  plain  or  ornamental  design,  having  a  horizontal 
llange  extending  from  near  the  front  to  inner  edge,  so  shaped  that  the  serrations  of  the  standard  are  engaged. 
At  or  near  the  top  of  bracket,  on  its  inner  side,  a  projection  is  formed  which  embraces  the  inside  grooved  part 
of  standard. 

To  raise  or  lower  the  shelves  and  supporting  brackets,  it  is  only  necessary  to  move  the  shelf  slightly 
forward,  which  disengages  the  flange  of  bracket  from  the  serrations,  and  again  release,  when  brought  to  the 
desired  position. 

The  methods  of  constructing  mezzanine  floorings,  facilities  for  lighting,  means  of  heating  and  ventilation, 
stairways,  elevators,  lifts,  etc.,  are  the  same  with  this  system,  as  already  given  in  the  description  on  "General 
Considerations  of  Stack  Building." 

Special  designs  with  estimates,  involving  the  use  of  our  "  Stikeman "  patents,  will  be  furnished  on 
application. 


Stikcman  Patent  "Composite"  Book  Shelving 


Schickel  *  Diimars.  Architects,  n.  V. 


Book  StacKs  erected  in  the  fiart  memorial  Library,  at  Croy,  n.  V. 

B*rncv  p>  Grt"»man,  Architects,  rt.  V. 


Book  Stacks  erected  in  the  fiart  memotial  Library,  at  Croy,  n.  V.,  Showing  Stairways, 
End  facias  and  (iiass  flooring 

Barney  $  Chapman,  Architects,  n.  y. 


Book  Slacks  Greeted  in  the  Someroille  Public  Library,  at  Somcrwll?,  mass. 
Coring  &  Pbipps,  Architects,  Boston,  mass. 


Book  Stacks  erected  in  the  State  Library,  Capitol  Building,  at  Doeer,  Delaware 
rrank  R.  Garswcll,  Architect,  Wilmington,  Del. 


terolt 


manufacturers  of 

Ornamental  Iron,  gopper  and  Zinc  iUcrk 

Iron,  Brass  and  Bronze  Stable  fittings,  Copper 
Weather  Uanes,  £restings,  Tinials  ana  terminals 
Railings  and  Gateways  — w  7y 

101  Clmmki*  %m\ 

new  Vork 


Illustrated  Price  Cists  sent  en  application 
name  the  Goods  desired 


